Some farm raised Pacific oysters are being recalled in Canada because they may contain a biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). This naturally occurring toxin can cause difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis, and death. No illnesses have been reported in association with the consumption of these oysters. The oysters were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and possibly nationally.
The processors of these oysters include Albion Farms and Fisheries Ltd. at 1900 No. 6 Road in Richmond, British Columbia. The products is farmed oysters in the shell. All sizes of product under P.O. number 87606 are recalled. These oysters were sold from October 9 to October 16, 2017, inclusively.
The other recalled product is Union Bay Seafood Ltd. oysters. The address of that company is #170-2288 No. 5 Road in Richmond, British Columbia. The recalled product is Pacific Oysters, Effingham Inlet, farm-raised. All sizes under Lot 20171010NWAQ are recalled. They were sold from October 10 to October 16, 2017, inclusively.
Symptoms of PSP begin with tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands, and feet. Difficulty swallowing then occurs and the more serious symptoms begin. These symptoms can begin within a few minutes or up to 10 hours after consumption of the bivalve shellfish.
If you purchased these oysters, do not eat them even if you plan to cook them. There is no way to tell by appearance, taste, texture, or aroma if oysters are contaminated with this toxin or not. Throw them away in a sealed container, or take them back to the place of purchase for a full refund.
